PIROS | icgc

PIROS

To promote a renewable and sustainable energy model in mountain areas

The final objective of the PIROS project is to provide subsoil knowledge for the evaluation of geothermal energy in a sustainable and efficient way in the rural areas of the Pyrenees. The study areas are distributed between Catalunya, Andorra and France being of interest due to the presence of hot water springs in them. Thus, in Catalunya the research area is established in Baridà, in Andorra the Madriu Valley is proposed due to the absence of anthropogenic elements and the Tech Valley in France.

The project proposes, on the one hand, to carry out a collection of information from the historical-social point of view that allows us to know the hot water systems of the study areas and how they have been used in the past in the socio-economic context of the rural environment. On the other hand, geological (petrology, geochemistry, geological, hydrogeological and structural 3D modelling) and geophysical studies will be carried out to know the thermal system, how deep the reservoirs are, what state they are in and how they can help the development of the territory. The results will have a practical and applicable approach, including a protocol on how to exploit these resources.

PIROS wants to promote a change in the perception and use of geothermal energy, laying the foundations for its integration into local energy policies and its sustainable exploitation. The participation of local administrations, energy companies, spas and the population during the project ensures the appropriation and transfer of the results to the territory.

Consortium

The project is led by the University of Barcelona, there are 5 more partner entities and associated entities. 

The partners are the following:

  • ICGC.
  • University of Paris Saclay.
  • Andorra Recerca + Innovació.
  • Alt Urgell County Council.
  • Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique – Délegation Occitanie Est (CNRS/DR13).

 

PIROS at a glance

  • Title: “Renewable energy for the development of mountain areas: the potential of geothermal energy in the Pyrenees (PIROS)".
  • Total budget: 1.493.733,14 €.
  • Funding: 944.124,55 € (65%).
  • ICGC budget: 106.317,94 €.
  • ICGC funding: 69.106,66 € (65%).
  • Start date: April 1, 2026.
  • Expected end date: April 1, 2029.
  • Consortium: 6 partners from Spain, France and Andorra.
  • Coordination: UB.
  • Web: under construction .
  • Programme: Funded by the Interreg-POCTEFA programme 2021-2027.
  • Reference: EFA202/06.

 

Structure of the project

Prpjecte PIROS

The project is divided into 5 actions (2 administrative actions and 3 technical actions) that complement each other.

  • A1. Project management

  • A2. Communication

    • A2.1 Compliance with the programme's communication obligations.
    • A2.2 Other communication activities of the programme.

  • A3. Historical-Social and Socio-Economic Analysis of Geothermal Energy in the Study Area

    • A3.1 Digitization of old documents and collections on hot water sources in the study area.
    • A3.2 Location of current and past hot water sources in the study area.
    • A3.3 Past and recent impact of geothermal energy on the economic and social development of the study area.
    • A3.4 Analysis of the socio-economic and environmental impact of geothermal energy in the future.

  • A4. Geological, hydrogeological and geophysical study of the hydrothermal system

    • A4.1 Analysis of geological controls on the areas of infiltration, circulation and discharge of hydrothermal vents.
    • A4.2 Study of the hydrogeological, hydrogeochemical and hydrogeochronological system of hydrothermal waters.
    • A4.3 Location and characterization of thermal anomalies associated with hot water flow.
    • A4.4 Characterization and 2D-3D modeling of the deep geothermal system.

  • A5. Geothermal potential of the studied area

    • A5.1 Relationships between geological, hydrogeological and geophysical parameters as controls of the geothermal system.
    • A5.2 Analysis of geothermal potential as a function of geology and society.
    • A5.3 Establishment of the zone(s) for the pilot test.

 

Funded by:


This project is funded by the EU Interreg-POCTEFA 2021-2027 programme, second call.